Sunday, on & off the Filed, Gotham Underwhelms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gotham FC Addresses Fan Incident at Home Opener

Gotham FC is aware of an incident involving hateful language directed at Barbra Banda during Sunday’s match between our team and Orlando Pride. We are united in our message with the NWSL and the Orlando Pride: This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our league or in our stadiums.

Stadium security swiftly responded to the incident once it was reported and directly addressed the individual, monitoring the situation for the remainder of the match. Gotham FC and the NWSL are working together to further investigate the incident and take additional action where appropriate under the league’s Fan Code of Conduct.

Gotham FC leaders on Monday reached out to the Orlando Pride to apologize for the incident and reiterate our unwavering support of Barbra Banda. As a club, we will always work to protect and reinforce the inclusive spirit of our Gotham FC and NWSL community, and we will hold responsible any individuals who violate or infringe upon those efforts and values.

Editor's Note: They could not have gotten this more wrong. If it was heard, did the officials hear it?, if so why were the procedures NOT followed. There is to be a warning given over the PA system. The offending party should have been removed and banned, leaguewide and to the building, not given a talking to and monitored.

Given the recent history of this team and league and their way of dealing with such things here was an opportunity to show they are serious about righting the ship. The commisioner was in the stands,was she aware, made aware, any reaction from her? 

I was informed two years ago by a staffer that the problems of this league are over, yes they fixed themselves in the off season,not, including early in this season players, top ones are taking breaks to deal with things, last year teams were in turmoil due to accused misdeeds within variuos teams.

Below, please find the Code of Conduct, from some allegations put forth, no less than 7 of those items were violated, the minimum listed was not even done, monitoring it does not quite cut it. Though it did not come through in the cut and paste from the league's website, it bore an addreess in Chicago, they left there in July of 2022?

Be better.

National Women’s Soccer League Fan Code of Conduct

The National Women’s Soccer League (“NWSL”) is committed to creating safe, inclusive, free of discrimination, and enjoyable match-day experiences for all fans visiting stadiums and facilities. This Fan Code of Conduct was developed in collaboration with the Independent Supporters Council and addresses expected behavior that is consistent with these goals. to all • Fans are encouraged to stand, cheer, sing, and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous players, coaches, fans, referees, and team and stadium staff. • Fans are strictly prohibited from using threatening, abusive, or discriminatory words, signs, symbols, or actions based on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural identity, nationality, citizenship status, age, appearance, disability, and/or religion. • Fans will refrain from displays of signs, symbols, words, or images for purposes of commercial use, electioneering, and/or campaigning or advocating for or against any political party, candidate, or legislation. • Fans are expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws. • Fans are to comply with posted stadium policies and emergency response procedures. Any fan who violates any of these provisions may be subject to penalties, including, but not limited to, ejection without refund, loss of ticket privileges for future games, and revocation of season tickets. There are several factors that will be taken into consideration when issuing consequences to a fan who fails to meet the expectations laid out in the NWSL Fan Code of Conduct. Any fan who conducts themselves in an extremely disruptive or dangerous manner or commits multiple violations during a 12-month period, may be banned from attending future NWSL matches ranging from the remainder of the season up to a lifetime ban. The NWSL, in its sole and absolute discretion, may increase or decrease any prescribed penalties. The following conduct is prohibited in all Stadium and all parking lots, facilities and areas controlled by the Team or NWSL: • Fighting • Fan violence • Assault/battery on staff, vendors, or other patrons • Using language that is threatening, abusive, or discriminatory in accordance with the Code of Conduct • Throwing objects of any kind, towards the field, players, and/or officials • Causing significant damage to venue property • Provoking and/or inciting threatening, abusive, or discriminatory behavior • Possession or use of an unauthorized pyrotechnic device, smoke, or firework, or attempting to use one inside the venue without prior approval • Alcohol management - purchasing, or providing for consumption, alcohol for an underage minor • Intrusion onto the field of play or designated area of play • Entering, or attempting to enter, unauthorized areas of the venue • Ignoring posted stadium policies and emergency response procedures • Refusing to return the match ball • Other misconduct where the venue is the victim, i.e. theft, scalping, minor property damage, etc. National Women’s Soccer League Pledge to Fans NWSL fans have a right to expect an environment where fans shall: • Be able to watch the match in a safe, clean and healthy environment. • Be treated in a courteous, consistent and professional manner. • Be treated with dignity and respect by other spectators attending the match and those organizing the event. • Be able to support his or her team, provided that the support is in good taste and neither adversely impacts the event experience of fellow spectators nor negatively impacts the match. • Expect displays of good sportsmanship. • Expect timely and accurate information related to the match.